The Chargers are in Los Angeles, and they are making the big city proud. Philip Rivers led his team to a 12-4 record in 2018. This was only good enough for a Wild Card spot despite the Chargers having one of the best records in the AFC.
The Chargers traveled to Baltimore and picked up a road playoff victory in the Wild Card Round. The very next week saw them travel where teams go to end their season. Yes, Foxborough. The Chargers' defense allowed touchdowns on the first five possessions of the game to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The Chargers returned home, and Rivers picked up another head-to-head loss to Brady.
Heading into 2019, the Chargers are positive. They are once again predicted to be a top of the AFC. With Rivers at the head of the offense along with Keenan Allen, Los Angeles is a dangerous team. After a 12-4 season, it is difficult to pinpoint weaknesses. However, there are areas of concern that need to improve if they want to make it to the Super Bowl.
1. The AFC West
The Chargers finished 12-4 last season and had the second-best record in the AFC. Usually, this would earn a team a first-round bye and a home playoff game. Instead, the Chargers ended up with no bye and two straight playoff games on the road. How did this happen? The one seed was in their division.
The Chiefs also finished 12-4 in the AFC West. The two teams split their matchups in the regular season. Kansas City finished one game better in division and conference play. This earned them the top seed in the AFC as the Chargers fell to No. 5. This is something that they cannot control. It is a significant area of concern because the Chiefs are not going anywhere. They will be near the top of the conference again.
All the Chargers can do is try to beat Kansas City and win the other games they are supposed to in division. To those who do not believe this is a real area of concern, look at last season's postseason.
2. Tight End
Hunter Henry burst onto the scene in 2016, scoring eight touchdowns. He emerged as one of Rivers' favorite targets in 2017. He finished with 45 catches for 579 yards and four touchdowns two seasons ago. The 24-year old was well on his way to becoming the next big thing at tight end before tearing his ACL. This caused him to miss last season.
Right now, Henry will be the Chargers' starting tight end if healthy. That is a big if. Players all respond differently to knee injuries. The other tight end on the roster is Virgil Green. Last season, he had the second-most catches in his career. The problem is that number was 19. He finished with 210 yards and one touchdown. Antonio Gates is no longer on the Chargers' roster after a long, Hall of Fame career.
The Chargers have excellent skill position players led by Allen, Melvin Gordon, and Mike Williams. The tight end position is where Los Angeles could be lacking if Henry does not return to full health.
3. Offensive Line Depth
The Chargers offensive line should actually be strong. Russell Okung will man the left tackle position while Sam Tevi will play right tackle. Tevi was a low-risk addition to the line. Former Pro Bowler Mike Pouncey will play his usual center position. The Chargers are not as lucky as the guard positions. Dan Feeney will play left guard.
The right guard position is where it gets interesting. Michael Schofield III and Forrest Lamp will get some time at that position. Lamp is going through a transition as the team will try to familiarize him with the tackle position. For now, Lamp will focus on being a guard heading into 2019. While the line seems strong, there is not much on the bench should any of the starters get hurt. Los Angeles did not add any free agents on the line.
This season will come down to protecting Rivers. He needs to remain upright for the team to be successful. Gordon will be a force in the receiving game and in the run game if this line can open holes for him. All in all, the Chargers will be near the top of the AFC once again if they can stay healthy.
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